Course Catalog

The World Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (WAIE)‘s academic course catalog contains a record of courses that young scholars will participate in during their time with WAIE. Below you will see the courses, listed by department, along with their descriptions. In addition, you can access additional information about the Diploma+ program.

Course Catalog Table of Contents

Holistic Health

The Department of Holistic Health consists of both the Food and Nutrition, and the Mental and Physical Wellness curriculum of WAIE.

Food and Nutrition

Food and nutrition are the way that we get fuel, providing energy for our bodies. We need to replace nutrients in our bodies with a new supply every day. Water is an important component of nutrition. Fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are all required. Furthermore, the food and nutrition curriculum provides youth with the understanding of being self-sufficient in meeting their own nutritional needs while also implementing a plant based lifestyle for prolonged health and propospertity.

Mental and Physical Wellness

Physical fitness and health is essential towards a healthy scholar. However, we look at physical fitness as more than athleticism but we look at nutrition, sex education, and naturopathy to improve the outcomes of our community. Furthermore, understanding one’s mental health makes it easier to weather challenges that may come our way. We all face challenges throughout our lives. However, being able to face those challenges with the appropriate tools creates opportunities for young scholars to have better health outcome when it comes to stress, loss, failure, and much more.

Status

Food and Humans

Required

Food Science

Required

Life Planning (A)

Required

Grade

Food and Humans

Grade 7

Food Science

Grade 8

Life Planning (A)

Grade 8

Course Description

Food and Humans

This course reviews scientific concepts governing food as well as providing a general overview of the historical origins and development of food including factors affecting food consumption, trends and culture. The impact of food on current issues especially as related to health and nutrition of the population is also addressed.

Food Science

The fundamental biological, chemical and physical scientific principles associated with the study of foods; topics include food composition and nutrition, food additives and regulations, food safety and toxicology, food processing, food engineering, food biotechnology, product development and sensory evaluation.

Life Planning (A)

Young scholars focus on cultivating positive self-esteem; developing skills to build healthy relationships with family, peers, and community members; managing stress and conflict; and preparing to become college- and career-ready.

Humanities for World Cultures

The Department of Humanities for World Cultures consists of both the Language Arts, and the World Cultures curriculum of WAIE. Our educators bring a diversity of styles, methods, and perspectives to the digital learning platform that help build young scholars’ abilities to think critically about the past and understand how the past created the world we live in today.

Language Arts

The language arts curriculum provides a true multidisciplinary immersion as young scholars learn English, Hebrew, and Arabic at the core of all of their courses. Also, they can continue their studies of the different world languages by experiencing Sign Language, Spanish, and more.

World Cultures

The world cultures curriculum decentralizes European thought and history and provides a true scope of world history. Young scholars look at history and culture through the eyes of people from African, Asian, Austronesia, Hebrew, Latin America, and North American Indigenous communities.

Status

English, Hebrew, and Arabic (A)

Required

English, Hebrew, and Arabic (B)

Required

Global Studies

Required

The History of the Hebrews

Required

Studies of Melanated Excellence

Required

Grade

English, Hebrew, and Arabic (A)

Grade 7

English, Hebrew, and Arabic (B)

Grade 8

Global Studies

Grade 8

The History of the Hebrews

Grade 7

Studies of Melanated Excellence

Grade 7

Course Description

English, Hebrew, and Arabic (A)

This course will target young scholars’ growth in English, Hebrew, and Arabic as it relates to the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, discussion, reflection, and viewing. Reading strategies, critical thinking skills, and vocabulary building comprise the main elements of reading instructions. Through fiction, nonfiction, and poetry reading, young scholars will practice reading strategies and comprehension skills. The focus of writing will be on narrative, informational, argumentative, and research writing. The overall goal of the class is to increase the literacy and writing ability of young scholars.

English, Hebrew, and Arabic (B)

This course is designed to transition students from middle school reading and language arts to the rigorous expectations of a high school classroom. With a focus on the study of literature, writing, vocabulary, and communication skills, students establish successful study skills and appropriate learning behavior. Also, this course helps young scholars develop research and speaking/listening skills. Through the genre approach to literature, young scholars read short stories, novels, drama and poetry, emphasizing the distinct elements and analysis of each type of literature.

Global Studies

One of the most significant trends of the current era has been globalization: the shrinking of distances, the greater interpenetration of the world’s peoples, and the rise, perhaps, of a so-called global culture. With the study of recent texts, this course tackles “world” questions: what does it mean to be from a certain place? what is a culture? and who are we in it? Young scholars work to link their own personal readings with the texts in dialogue with the world.

The History of the Hebrews

The History of the Hebrews during the first term will survey the historical, literary, cultural, and heritage of creation, the covenant made between YHUH and the original Hebrews, and more. The second term continues the study of YHUH with the inclusion of its relation to Islam and the Muslim lifestyle. The third term serves as the final part of the three part course. The course examines African Kingdoms & Hebrew Kingdoms as we explore key developments in African history from human origin to 1850.

Studies of Melanated Excellence

The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the role and contributions of Melanated people (Black and Brown people) to the growth and development of the United States and world. The course offers young scholars the opportunity to examine the historical significance of ancient Africa through present times. The course promotes critical thinking about race, and other systems of difference that shape individual and group interactions, identity, and culture.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship consists of the Business Development, the Civics and Economics, the Finance and Accounting, and the Marketing and Communications curriculum. Courses young scholars take through this area of knowledge allows them to begin building their own entrepreneurial business or supporting a peer in starting one.

Business Development

The business development curriculum provides a focus on both for-profit and nonprofit operations. Business development entails tasks and processes to develop and implement growth opportunities within and between organizations.

Civics and Economics

The civics and economics curriculum examines the roles citizens play in the political, governmental, and economic systems in their country. Young scholars will examine the structure and operation of government at the local, state, and national levels. Furthermore, young scholars explore how people interact with value; in particular, the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Finance and Accounting

The finance and accounting curriculum will examine the measurement, processing, and communication of financial and non financial information about economic entities (such as businesses and corporations) and people. Furthermore, young scholars explore matters regarding the management, creation, and study of money and investments.

Marketing and Communications

The marketing and communications curriculum explores different marketing channels and tools in combination with emphasis placed on ways a business communicates a message to its desired market, or the market in general.

Status

Black Wall Street

Required

Business Communication

Required

Business Ethics

Required

Civics and Economics

Required

Ethics and the Media

Required

Financial Literacy and Planning

Required

History of Melanated Entrepreneurship

Required

Innovation Ecosystem

Required

Intro to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Required

Intro to Marketing

Required

Social Media Marketing

Required

Writing a Business Plan

Required

Grade

Black Wall Street

Grade 8

Business Communication

Grade 8

Business Ethics

Grade 8

Civics and Economics

Grade 7

Ethics and the Media

Grade 8

Financial Literacy and Planning

Grade 7

History of Melanated Entrepreneurship

Grade 7

Innovation Ecosystem

Grade 8

Intro to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Grade 7

Intro to Marketing

Grade 8

Social Media Marketing

Grade 8

Writing a Business Plan

Grade 8

Course Description

Black Wall Street

This course focuses on the rise and destruction of Black Wall Street, with a leading review of The Great Migration and Harlem-Renaissance. Black Wall Street was one of the most prominent concentrations of African-American businesses in the United States during the early 20th century. It was razed to the ground in the Tulsa race massacre of 1921, in which white residents massacred as many as 300 black residents, injuring hundreds more. The “riot” was one of the most devastating massacres in the history of U.S. race relations, destroying the once-thriving Greenwood community.

Business Communication

This course that will show young scholars the right way to write memos, letters and reports. They’ll have the chance to see their writing improve, from grammar and mechanics to style. Lessons include techniques for writing informational, persuasive, sales, employment, and good and bad news communications, to both internal and external audiences – with practice analyzing those audiences. Finally, they’ll explore the current business communication technology toolkit, including desktop publishing, videoconferencing and more.

Business Ethics

This course focuses on basic ethical viewpoints as a foundation and examines specific characteristics of business life through cases and examples. The fact that there is not one universal set of behaviors one considers ethical and no guidelines to follow to determine ethical behavior poses unique challenges to managers today. Yet, managers are daily faced with situations where individual values may conflict with those of teams or organizations. Explores topics such as corporate responsibility and conflict of interest, employee rights, and advertising and information disclosure.

Civics and Economics

The course provides a framework for understanding the basic concepts of democracy, practices of government as established by the Constitution, basic concepts of politics and citizenship and concepts in macro and micro economics and personal finance. This class will help young scholars to become an informed and active participant in their society and help them understand why their government functions the way it does today.

Ethics and the Media

The purpose of this course is therefore twofold: 1) to equip future media professionals with sensitivity to moral values under challenge as well as the necessary skills in critical thinking and decision making for navigating their roles and responsibilities in relation to them; and 2) honing those same skills and sensitivities for consumers of media and citizens in media saturated societies.

Financial Literacy and Planning

The course specifically designed to help young scholars understand the importance of the financial world, including planning and managing money wisely. Areas of study taught through application in personal finance include sources of income, budgeting, banking, consumer credit, credit laws and rights, personal bankruptcy, insurance, spending, taxes, investment strategies, savings accounts, mutual funds and the stock market, buying a vehicle, and living independently. Based on the hands-on skills and knowledge applied in this course, young scholars will develop financial goals, and create realistic and measurable objectives to be money smart!

History of Melanated Entrepreneurship

The course will center on the history of African-American entrepreneurship, the American civil rights movement, and related legal decisions and court cases germane to Black business development. The course will start with a discussion of the African origins of Black business, follow the trajectory of African American entrepreneurship in the United States to the Civil Rights movement, and conclude with a discussion of present day laws and legal decisions impacting African-American entrepreneurship.

Innovation Ecosystem

This course equips young scholars with the high-level frameworks and tools necessary to understand innovation and entrepreneurship in the ecosystems around them, shift to a more effective ecosystem-based open innovation approach, and design programs to engage effectively with external stakeholders.

Intro to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The course aims to provide young scholars with an understanding of the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship and introduces the role of the entrepreneur, innovation and technology in the entrepreneurial process. It is not about small business or life style businesses but instead the development of growth oriented businesses – whether for-profit or not-for-profit. Entrepreneurship is both a way of thinking and of doing. It involves “building something from nothing” and successful entrepreneurs know how to manage and mitigate uncertainty and risk. The course content is relevant to those individuals thinking about starting a business or who are already in business – large or small, those who are interested in commercializing their own innovations or of others, and those who advise entrepreneurs or engage in policy making in the entrepreneurship area.

Intro to Marketing

This course is designed to provide young scholars with an understanding of the principles of Marketing. There will be a focus on the management of the marketing activities and how marketing relates to overall organizational functioning, including the management of exchange processes between business units and consumers and between firms. It will include topics such as environmental analysis, industry and competitor analysis, objective setting, marketing strategies, market mix components, and finally implementation and control mechanisms.

Social Media Marketing

The importance for modern businesses to understand the need for a strategic social media presence cannot be understated. From creating an outlet to directly connect with consumers, to providing insight into buying behavior, to boosting SEO rankings, social media has evolved to serve as the glue that binds together and enhances a digital marketing strategy and the overall brand experience for consumers. This course will train young scholars on various social media platforms and their tools & techniques, and aims to make young scholars an accomplished social media marketer, using effective, proven methodologies.

Writing a Business Plan

The number one mistake people make in starting a new business is that they fail to write a business plan. Without a written set of plans and directions, a new business will struggle on many levels. During this course, the young scholar will learn how to write and design a business plan for a venture they or them and their peers would like to start.

STREAM for Environmental Stewardship

The Department of STREAM for Environmental Stewardship consists of the Science, the Technology, the Robotics, the Engineering, the Arts, and the Mathematics curriculum. Young scholars are encouraged to be curious, ask questions, discover, and take intellectual risks. Our courses emphasize active, exploratory, and hands-on learning.

Science

The science curriculum is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.

Technology

The technology curriculum is the sum of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation.

Robotics

The robotics curriculum is an interdisciplinary research area at the interface of computer science and engineering. Robotics involves design, construction, operation, and use of robots.

Engineering

The engineering curriculum is a branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures.

Arts

The arts curriculum is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum is the study of the abstract science of number, quantity, and space.

Status

African Art History

Required

Algebra 1

Required

Algebra 2

Required

Astronomy

Required

Black Art History

Required

Earth Science

Required

Math Level 8

Required

Physical Science

Required

Grade

African Art History

Grade 8

Algebra 1

Grade 7

Algebra 2

Grade 8

Astronomy

Grade 8

Black Art History

Grade 7

Earth Science

Grade 7

Math Level 8

Grade 7

Physical Science

Grade 7

Course Description

African Art History

This course introduces the art and architecture of Africa, beginning over 8,000 years ago and continuing into the 1990s. The first evidence of an aesthetic impulse is about 75,000 years ago at Blombos Cave in South Africa.

Algebra 1

The course includes recognizing and developing patterns using tables, graphs and equations. In addition, young scholars will explore operations on algebraic expressions, apply mathematical properties to algebraic equations. They will solve problems using equations, graphs and tables to investigate linear relationships. Technology will be used to introduce and expand upon the areas of study listed above. Use of computers and graphing calculators will be incorporated into each module.

Algebra 2

Fundamental skills of mathematics will be applied to such topics as functions, equations and inequalities, probability and statistics, logarithmic and exponential relationships, quadratic and polynomial equations, and matrices. Technology will be used to introduce and expand upon the areas of study listed above. Use of computers and graphing calculators will be incorporated into each module.

Astronomy

An introduction to astronomy exploring the planets, moons, asteroids, Sun of our Solar system, and the stars, black holes, pulsars and other objects beyond it. Direct observation of the night sky will be an integral part of the course. The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop and apply knowledge of the universe and compare the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. Emphasis shall be placed on concepts basic to Earth, including materials, processes, history, and the environment.

Black Art History

The course surveys artworks made by African Americans in the United States and abroad. Young scholars will explore major art movements, such as the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement, and will study the impact of political movements on artists and their work, including the Black Liberation Movement and #BlackLivesMatter. Also, young scholars will consider how artists have contended with issues of race, gender, and sexuality and will examine transnational artist networks in Latin America, Europe, and other places.

Earth Science

The course introduces scientific investigations, methods, observations and communication along with common tools and methods used for understanding Earth and its environments. Minerals and rocks that make up the Earth’s crust, Earth’s features, identification, and uniqueness as a planet are also covered in this course. Young scholars will also examine continental drift, seafloor spreading, plate tectonic movement, plate boundaries, land forms, volcanic activity, earthquakes, and mountains resulting from plate tectonic processes as well as surface processes that create and modify land forms. The course also explores water on earth, covering its distribution, states, and the processes involving Earth’s water.

Math Level 8

The course prepares young scholars for more advanced study in algebra as scholars solve linear equations and systems of equations, work with radical and integer exponents, gain conceptual understanding of functions, and use functions to model quantitative relationships. To prepare young scholars for more advanced study in geometry, the course emphasizes the Pythagorean theorem and a deepening exploration of similarity and congruence.

Physical Science

An introductory course designed to allow young scholars to explore the basic concepts of physical subject matter of science. They will be introduced to the history and nature of science. The course includes an introduction to the fundamental concepts of physics, chemistry, astronomy and earth science. Young scholars will be encouraged to explore the relationship between science and everyday life.

Administrative Offices

The Administrative Offices of WAIE are departments that provide academic immersions and experiences for young scholars but are not members to the Office of Academics. They consist of the Office of Career and College Readiness, the Office of Immersion Programs, the Office of Social Engagement, and the Center for Hebrew Education.

Office of Career and College Readiness

The Career and College Readiness counseling team assists young scholars in graduating with their Diploma+ prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary opportunities—whether college, career, or entrepreneurship—without need for remediation.

Office of Immersion Programs

The Office of Immersion Programs helps young scholars connect with different cultures, people, and communities during residential experiences. Immersions span from one-week activities to three-month abroad tours. At the heart of our programs is building community while expanding one’s knowledge.

Office of Social Engagement

The Office of Social Engagement manages club operations and learning experiences. Clubs at WAIE are designed to provide young scholars with a sense of community around different affinities. Our clubs provide educational opportunities for both their members and the greater community.

Center for Hebrew Education

The Center for Hebrew Education is the keeper of knowledge on Hebrew culture, language, and lifestyle. They provide activities, events, and immersions to help young scholars implement their ancestral ways in modern day.

Status

Adventure Based Leadership: Men of Valor

Required

Adventure Based Leadership: Women of Purpose

Required

Adventure Based Leadership (A)

Required

Adventure Based Leadership (B)

Required

Grade

Adventure Based Leadership: Men of Valor

Grade 7

Adventure Based Leadership: Women of Purpose

Grade 7

Adventure Based Leadership (A)

Grade 7

Adventure Based Leadership (B)

Grade 8

Course Description

Adventure Based Leadership: Men of Valor

Overnight course held for one-week in the fall. This course is designed to serve the members of Men of Valor as their first immersion for the year. A leadership development program that utilizes both indoor and outdoor experiential activities to help young scholars develop and practice the fundamentals of effective team building and leadership. Building trust, setting and evaluating goals, group problem solving, and effective interpersonal communications are among the attributes and skills addressed. Also, young scholars participate in self defense, survival, and art activities throughout the course of the week-long immersion.

Adventure Based Leadership: Women of Purpose

Overnight course held for one-week in the fall. This course is designed to serve the members of Women of Purpose as their first immersion for the year. A leadership development program that utilizes both indoor and outdoor experiential activities to help young scholars develop and practice the fundamentals of effective team building and leadership. Building trust, setting and evaluating goals, group problem solving, and effective interpersonal communications are among the attributes and skills addressed. Also, young scholars participate in self defense, survival, and art activities throughout the course of the week-long immersion.

Adventure Based Leadership (A)

Overnight course held for one-week during term 2 and 3. A leadership development program that utilizes both indoor and outdoor experiential activities to help young scholars develop and practice the fundamentals of effective team building and leadership. Building trust, setting and evaluating goals, group problem solving, and effective interpersonal communications are among the attributes and skills addressed. Also, young scholars participate in self defense, survival, and art activities throughout the course of the week-long immersion.

Adventure Based Leadership (B)

Overnight course held for one-week three times a year. A leadership development program that utilizes both indoor and outdoor experiential activities to help young scholars develop and practice the fundamentals of effective team building and leadership. Building trust, setting and evaluating goals, group problem solving, and effective interpersonal communications are among the attributes and skills addressed. Also, young scholars participate in self defense, survival, and art activities throughout the course of the week-long immersion.

Course Catalog: Diploma+

Thumbs up graduate at graduation ceremony

The Diploma+ (Diploma Plus) program is designed to be an enhanced diploma that young scholars of World Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (WAIE) receive. A typical high school diploma signifies that an individual has completed their required secondary/high school education from an accredited institution. WAIE’s Diploma+ program is designed to provide not only the high school diploma young scholars need but also provide certifications and other degrees for completion of specific academic work conducted during their time with us.

NOTE: WAIE will begin the accreditation review process three months before the school opens and will complete the certification accreditation review before the first graduation of our young scholars.

“The most important thing for any young person to do is to create a life for themselves that balances their mental health and happiness with a sustainable and comfortable income.”

— Duron Jones

What enhanced pathways does WAIE focus on?

WAIE focuses on pathway enhancements that are multifaceted and beneficial to young scholars once they complete their Diploma+ program. We explore pathways that can be applied to either entrepreneurship, workforce, or college so that young scholars have the tools they need to make the decisions they want for their self-defined comfortable life. The pathways we focus on are:

Business

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Environmental Stewardship

Data Analytics